Artrece Johnson is sitting down with HOLR to discuss her role in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, where she portrays Kevin Hart’s wife.
Artrece Johnson has an exciting new role in “Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist” which sees her co-star alongside notable names such as; Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson. The star-studded series based on a true story (and podcast!) is set to debut on Peacock in September and follows the infamous story of an armed robbery that took place the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight.
Today, we’re sitting down with Artrece to discuss how she got started in the entertainment industry, her role in “Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist” and what’s next for the Baton Rouge-born and Atlanta-raised star.
Talk to us about how you got started in acting, as well as your rise within the acting industry.
I always wanted to be an actor, since I was about four. At that age, I really wanted to be on the show Barney & Friends. However, I didn’t know it was acting, I just thought it looked fun. It wasn’t until I went to Kindergarten that my teacher asked me if I wanted to be in a play. I of course didn’t know what I was getting myself into but when I went out on that stage for the first time, and felt that surge of energy you get on stage, I knew then at five that I was gonna try and do this for the rest of my life. From then on I would put myself in spaces to act whenever I could. Taking classes, doing community theater, short films, improv, research, whatever was of substance that I could get my hands on. I’ve done that for so many years and I still do it. I guess it started paying off.
Tell us all about the star-studded upcoming series based on a true story and podcast of the same name-“Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist.” What can we expect, as viewers, when tuning in?
Fight Night is based on the Iheart true-crime podcast about the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammed Ali’s historic 1970s comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the black mecca. I think audiences are in for a ride and I can’t wait for them to see it. There’s action, there’s a scandal, and there’s a great story. It took a lot of great creators and collaborators to bring this project to fruition and we can’t wait for everyone to see it. There are so many amazing artists in this show, I think fans are gonna be delighted to see how it comes together.
What was it like working alongside Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson for “Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist.”.
It was a masterclass, a dream that I could have never dreamt up. To come to set and work alongside so many greats was simply a blessing. I soaked up so much from all of them, just watching them work and when working with them. And there was so much laughter and joy, it didn’t really feel like going to work every day.
Talk to us about how you think fate influenced your latest role.
I feel like God sends me characters to teach or heal me of something. With Faye, I learned so much about my own disposition and how I navigate the world. Just opening myself up to who she was freed me of a lot of my own baggage. Some Days it felt like a therapy session, which I didn’t mind. My mission has always been to heal others as I heal myself through this art form. So getting this job was definitely a gift from God, I’m so full and so grateful to have had the opportunity and experience. I think it came at the right time. I was tired and worn out, working three jobs and preparing to go back to school because I just wanted more stability. Before I could even send off my paperwork to start the process of going back, I got the audition and days later found out I got the job.
What’s next for you?
As far as what’s next for me, I have a few projects brewing that I hopefully get to talk about soon as well as auditioning, and preparing for you all to see Fight Night.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Credits:
Photographer: Jonny Marlow
Wardrobe stylist: Oliver Vaughn
MUA: QuiNeshia Graham
